Restylane vs. Juvederm: Comparing the Two Most Popular Dermal Fillers

There are several different types of dermal fillers on the market today. Two of these options, however, continue to rise in popularity above the rest: Restylane and Juvederm.

These fillers are both made of hyaluronic acid, and they’re well-known in the aesthetics world as excellent treatment options for patients who want to work on their nasolabial folds, their cheeks, or their lips. However, although these two fillers are very similar, they’re unique treatments that each come with their own range of differences 

Here’s what you need to know about these two dermal fillers and how they compare to each other. 

Manufacturers 

Restylane

Restylane is manufactured by Galderma, a Swiss pharmaceutical company that specializes in dermatological treatments and skincare products. Galderma provides innovative and effective aesthetic solutions, with decades of aesthetic innovation and unique heritage in hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Restylane. Galderma is one of the market’s leading companies and is widely trusted by healthcare professionals and their clients. Restylane was approved by the FDA in 2003.

Juvederm

Allergan Aesthetics is the manufacturer that makes Juvederm. This pharmaceutical company also acquires, develops, manufactures, and markets products including Botox, Kybella, and Coolsculpting. Juvederm entered the U.S. market in 2006 and quickly became one of the most popular and widely-used dermal fillers in the U.S.

How They Work

Restylane

Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that’s naturally found in the body. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar compound that creates firmer skin by helping the body hold in moisture.

Restylane is most often used in the nasolabial folds or the cheeks to add volume to the skin and correct wrinkles. It can also be used for lip enhancement in patients over 21 years old. There are several different types of Restylane fillers, and each one is designed for a different purpose:

• Restylane Silk — lip augmentation or wrinkles around the mouth
• Restylane Lyft — cheek augmentation and midface contour deficiencies
• Restylane — facial wrinkles and folds, lip augmentation, and dark undereye circles
• Restylane Refyne — nasolabial folds
• Restylane Defyne — nasolabial folds 

Potential side effects of Restylane may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain 
• Itching at the injection site
• Headache 

After a patient is treated with Restylane, most people see results immediately. The complete effects will appear within 1-2 weeks. These results can last up to a year and a half depending on the type of Restylane used. Some patients may need one or more follow-up treatments during that time. 

Juvederm

The Juvederm family of fillers is made of a hyaluronic acid formula. Like Restylane, Juvederm eliminates wrinkles through the hyaluronic acid firming up the skin.

Juvederm offers five total products:

• Volbella
• Ultra
• Ultra Plus
• Vollure
• Voluma

Each of these formulas also comes in an XC version, which contains powdered lidocaine to ensure the patient feels minimal or no discomfort. Different Juvederm fillers are used to treat:

• Hollow cheeks
• Thin lips
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Crows’ feet

Juvederm’s malleable gel makes it a consistent, reliable option for patients. Both Juvederm Ultra XC and Ultra Plus XC last between six and 12 months, while Juvederm Voluma XC lasts up to two years. Often, Juvederm lasts longer than Restylane. 

Side effects of Juvederm can include injection site reactions such as:

• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Firmness
• Lumps or bumps
• Bruising or pain
• Redness
• Discoloration
• Itching

Who Can Benefit

Restylane

Restylane is only approved for patients over the age of 21. People who are immunocompromised, taking blood thinners, pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use Restylane.

Restylane is a good fit for patients who want to target their cheeks, lips, or dark circles under eyes. The results of Restylane may not last as long as the results of Juvederm, depending on the specific type of filler used.

Juvederm

Juvederm is approved for patients over the age of 21. However, most people don’t see a need for Juvederm until they are in their 40s or 50s. The ideal patient for Juvederm is a patient in their 40s or 50s who wants to treat their facial wrinkles. 

People who want to be treated with Juvederm need to have skin that is not brittle or damaged by the sun. Anyone who has a history of anaphylaxis and allergies should also avoid Juvederm. Patients who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, or breastfeeding should either not take Juvederm or should use extreme care.

How to Price

If you are using Restylane and/or Juvederm in your practice, you might be wondering how to price these fillers. Base your pricing on your certification level and the number of years you’ve been practicing. The more experience you have, the higher you will be able to price these fillers.

If you want to up your pricing, focusing on career advancement will help you become more knowledgeable and skilled, which in turn will allow you to boost the rates you charge. Attend virtual or in-person training sessions to learn about new techniques so you can offer additional services to your patients. You can also take advanced courses to gain a higher certification, such as NP, MD, or PA. And remember, since how many years you’ve been practicing is also a factor in pricing, you will be able to charge more for Restylane or Juvederm over time.

Which Filler Is Better? 

Restylane is a more affordable option when purchasing wholesale, but Juvederm tends to last longer for patients because it has 35% more hyaluronic acid that has been cross-linked. Restylane targets dark undereye circles while Juvederm can treat crows’ feet. At the end of the day, however, Restylane and Juvederm are both excellent options that bring a range of benefits to the table for patients. 

Which filler should you market to your audience? The answer to that question will depend on what each individual patient is looking for. Their budget, areas of concern, and goals will all play a role in helping you decide which dermal filler is best for them. Both Restylane and Juvederm are great dermal fillers to offer in your practice and meet patients’ wants and needs.